Andre Smith Sidelined

[jjakq27]

Dude needs to stay here in town after OTA's next June so he can get all of his conditioning out of the way before training camp starts if he can't do it himself.

[BengalByTheBay]

I'm probably crack-high, but it just feels to me like he is THE difference maker. I'm not going to get too excited by the simple fact that he's going to practice, but damn...if he can work in and grab a series or two on Friday that would be awesome. Even if not, with 2 more games before it's for real, he should be in some semblance of shape by opening day. Come on big guy - show us something!

[Kazkal]

I'm probably crack-high, but it just feels to me like he is THE difference maker

I don't think you are When Collins was replaced by Roland we went from Crap to Below avg but (just when it comes to the run)

But with BigDre I can see Cedric running just as good on the rightside as the leftside.

[walzav29]

He is in a better spot now than he was a year ago.

[volcom69]

Yeah and with him practicing, he can't be placed on the PUP list either. Here's the blurb...

Right tackle Andre Smith returned to the field for the first time since the playoff game seven months ago on Tuesday afternoon and admitted there was some excitement in the air.

“But the thing to remember is you have to keep working hard,” Smith said.

Before Smith left the locker room for the field, head strength coach Chip Morton shook his hand and spoke to him and, why not? Morton and Smith have been hooked at the hip since the first day of training camp on July 28 when Smith arrived battling foot and weight issues.

With Morton, as well as assistant Jeff Friday and weight-room assistants Carlos Woods and Bill Zenisek overseeing his three workouts a day, head coach Marvin Lewis let Smith hit the field. That now means he’s not eligible to be on the physically unable to perform list. It also means that he’s passed his conditioning test, according to Morton.

“He’s lost a significant amount of weight,” said Morton, who wouldn’t elaborate. “He has a ways to go. But from what we’ve seen in this three-week process, he’s been very committed and worked very hard.”

Published reports said Smith was in the 370-pound range early in camp, but he didn’t look that big Tuesday.

Smith had to deal with February surgery to finish repairing the broken foot that knocked him out of the first 10 games last season. He missed all of the spring camps and hasn’t had chance to work on his technique.

“I feel good. I won’t need too much WD 40,” he said of potential rust.

/>http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Tuesday-notes-Andre-Smith-practicing/c20f58f0-55c8-45d1-89e1-c8dbd0e4e0df

Oh Please Oh Please let him start week 3.

I hope he starts week 1, that means he is working his butt off and doing things right. Anything is better then Roland and Collons rotating in and out. I dont mind Roland on the jumbo package just not the starter

[HoosierCat]

Right now, I will be happy if the Skindenburgh makes it through the rest of preseason healthy. Bagging the offseason, then trying to cram 6-8 months of training into as many weeks is a recipe for pulls, strains and other injuries. So far, reports were that he was mostly dragging heavy weights back and forth across a Georgetown field while wearing a fat suit. Now he's "slimmed down" to the point where they feel he can practice. Good -- now do it and stay healthy. Thats enough of a challenge IMHO. Leave the question of whether he can make us better to week 1 when we know if he's even available.

[Stripes]

I'm probably crack-high, but it just feels to me like he is THE difference maker. I'm not going to get too excited by the simple fact that he's going to practice, but damn...if he can work in and grab a series or two on Friday that would be awesome. Even if not, with 2 more games before it's for real, he should be in some semblance of shape by opening day. Come on big guy - show us something!

I agree. When the offensive line is generally viewed by most as the primary point of concern heading into the season, there's a gigantic difference between fielding a top ten draft pick at RT and fielding Dennis Roland.

Andre never fails to annoy, but he ought to be an immediate upgrade whether he plays his ass off or hides burgers under the bench.

[ArmyBengal]

Anyone know if the conditioning test is standard for all football teams ??

The reason I ask is, if it's the same running test Haynesworth had to take, that Golic and ESPN made such a big deal about, I will be happy in hearing Dre actually completed that. While it's not all out for 4 quarters, you would have to look at that as a big improvement, as there were reports he couldn't walk right at the beginning of camp, let alone take part in drills.

Color me optimistic...

[Kazkal]

Anyone know if the conditioning test is standard for all football teams ??

The reason I ask is, if it's the same running test Haynesworth had to take, that Golic and ESPN made such a big deal about, I will be happy in hearing Dre actually completed that. While it's not all out for 4 quarters, you would have to look at that as a big improvement, as there were reports he couldn't walk right at the beginning of camp, let alone take part in drills.

Color me optimistic...

More so since it would seem Andre nailed it first time.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Love him or hate him, there's just no way you can't be rooting for his twinkie eating ass...

Yes, sadly enough, we have no choice. I just hope it's truly an eating/diet issue and not a motivational issue.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Anyone know if the conditioning test is standard for all football teams ??

The reason I ask is, if it's the same running test Haynesworth had to take, that Golic and ESPN made such a big deal about, I will be happy in hearing Dre actually completed that. While it's not all out for 4 quarters, you would have to look at that as a big improvement, as there were reports he couldn't walk right at the beginning of camp, let alone take part in drills.

Color me optimistic...

That would be great, but I doubt it. If I recall the details of the test - 300 yard shuttle run in 70 seconds, wait 5 minutes and do it again in 73 seconds - I'd bet my life savings that Andre Smith couldn't do it.

Of course, the rumors are that Haynesworth didn't really do it either, which is why he "passed" it at something like 6AM with nobody else around. Rumor is that Shanny was just doing it to bust his balls knowing he'd never pass it for real. I'd bet that only the most athletic, young linemen would have a chance. Suh supposedly passed it, for instance.

[Sea Ray]

Right now, I will be happy if the Skindenburgh makes it through the rest of preseason healthy. Bagging the offseason, then trying to cram 6-8 months of training into as many weeks is a recipe for pulls, strains and other injuries. So far, reports were that he was mostly dragging heavy weights back and forth across a Georgetown field while wearing a fat suit. Now he's "slimmed down" to the point where they feel he can practice. Good -- now do it and stay healthy. Thats enough of a challenge IMHO. Leave the question of whether he can make us better to week 1 when we know if he's even available.

That's my concern as well. I know he can help this team even if he's a few twinkies over ideal if he's healthy. My issue is can he stay healthy when he uses training camp as a Jenny Craig program

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

That's my concern as well. I know he can help this team even if he's a few twinkies over ideal if he's healthy.

I think that's true for the first quarter, but how about the 4th? Rotation guy at best until his fat ass gets in shape.

[Kazkal]

Suh supposedly passed it, for instance.

my money is Geno Atkins would crush it

I think that's true for the first quarter, but how about the 4th? Rotation guy at best until his fat ass gets in shape.

I'll take him in a Rotation to start out simply because that means we have to endure Roland & Collins that much less...Not only that b ut Cody seems to get by and he tends get up way past Bigdre.

[ArmyBengal]

I'd bet that only the most athletic, young linemen would have a chance.

I don't know after watching a 47 year old Mike Golic, with no training, pass the test on ESPN. Granted he's not 300 pounds anymore.

If a mid 20 something athlete can't pass that test, I would question it...

[membengal]

The combination of Smith back to practice (let's hope he can actually sustain the practice) as well as their decisiveness in cutting Luigs has put a spring in my step today.

I guess I am as excited about Luigs being gone as Smith being back. That shows a level of cutthroat decision-making that the Bengals have often in the past lacked. A guy like Luigs would have hung around for his contract, taking up space, and then get cut.

Now? Now I guess they really like what they see from Stephens and perhaps even Hudson. And so they move on. Great news.

If they can figure out the line, 10 wins is on the table. Without it, 6 wins and a season of meltdown on this board.

C'mon, line.

[Wraith]

The combination of Smith back to practice (let's hope he can actually sustain the practice) as well as their decisiveness in cutting Luigs has put a spring in my step today.

I guess I am as excited about Luigs being gone as Smith being back. That shows a level of cutthroat decision-making that the Bengals have often in the past lacked. A guy like Luigs would have hung around for his contract, taking up space, and then get cut.

Now? Now I guess they really like what they see from Stephens and perhaps even Hudson. And so they move on. Great news.

If they can figure out the line, 10 wins is on the table. Without it, 6 wins and a season of meltdown on this board.

C'mon, line.

10 Wins, thats the best you can do with this team 10 wins? I am a fan and maybe I have had too much kool-aid, but I except more out of this team than 10 wins I am shooting for 13, this is the best Bengals team in my fandom and I have seen both Superbowl teams. Offense, Defense, Special Teams (with concerns about the kicker)not only do we have them but we have them with depth (outside of QB). For the first time in my adult life I am picking the Bengals to win the AFC andmaybe I am setting myself up for disappointment but I believe.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

I don't know after watching a 47 year old Mike Golic, with no training, pass the test on ESPN. Granted he's not 300 pounds anymore.

If a mid 20 something athlete can't pass that test, I would question it...

Agreed. And I maintain Andre would fail it.

I was also surprised Golic passed it, but as you say I think that says something about how much effort he put into losing weight.

Put another way, I'll guarantee Haynesworth is in better shape than Andre the Hut, and if he couldn't pass it, Andre won't either.

[membengal]

The combination of Smith back to practice (let's hope he can actually sustain the practice) as well as their decisiveness in cutting Luigs has put a spring in my step today.

I guess I am as excited about Luigs being gone as Smith being back. That shows a level of cutthroat decision-making that the Bengals have often in the past lacked. A guy like Luigs would have hung around for his contract, taking up space, and then get cut.

Now? Now I guess they really like what they see from Stephens and perhaps even Hudson. And so they move on. Great news.

If they can figure out the line, 10 wins is on the table. Without it, 6 wins and a season of meltdown on this board.

C'mon, line.

10 Wins, thats the best you can do with this team 10 wins? I am a fan and maybe I have had too much kool-aid, but I except more out of this team than 10 wins I am shooting for 13, this is the best Bengals team in my fandom and I have seen both Superbowl teams. Offense, Defense, Special Teams (with concerns about the kicker)not only do we have them but we have them with depth (outside of QB). For the first time in my adult life I am picking the Bengals to win the AFC andmaybe I am setting myself up for disappointment but I believe.

Well goodness, don't let my read on things affect your optimism.

I think 10 wins is pretty bullish with that schedule and some of the questions this team carries. If they can do better than that, great, but I am sure not gonna set the bar that high at this point, not from where I sit anyway.

[ArmyBengal]

I don't know after watching a 47 year old Mike Golic, with no training, pass the test on ESPN. Granted he's not 300 pounds anymore.

If a mid 20 something athlete can't pass that test, I would question it...

Agreed. And I maintain Andre would fail it.

I was also surprised Golic passed it, but as you say I think that says something about how much effort he put into losing weight.

Put another way, I'll guarantee Haynesworth is in better shape than Andre the Hut, and if he couldn't pass it, Andre won't either.

Yeah, I guess that's why I was asking if anyone had knowledge. I'm just looking for any optimism in regards to Big Dre' as I can.

I'm still one of the ones that is really hopeful in regards to what he can bring to this o-line.

[membengal]

I think you can take heart that he practiced yesterday, army. You can take even more heart if he practices again today...

[ArmyBengal]

I was reading that they weren't sure if he was going to get snaps in the game against the Eagles on Friday, but they felt "sure" he would get snaps in the Buffalo game. If he gets some good snaps those last two preseason games, I'm immediately thrilled to what he brings to this offensive line from week #1 on. I love thinking about Roland providing "depth" for the line, but shaky viewing him as the starter.

[HairOnFire]

I'll take him in a Rotation to start out simply because that means we have to endure Roland & Collins that much less...

And it's not like a rotation at RT would force the Bengals to change the way they've been operating, right? It's what they've been doing at RT, by design, since the Dancing Bear left town to join the circus.

[membengal]

Reading between the lines, we may not need to have a rotation at RT. Looking at ML's quotes today, and that Andre practiced again, I remain hopeful that he can still seize the job for week one in NE.

[Kazkal]

Reading between the lines, we may not need to have a rotation at RT. Looking at ML's quotes today, and that Andre practiced again, I remain hopeful that he can still seize the job for week one in NE.

Yup Sounds like they'll be putting him in this week so 3 preseason games should be plenty to see if he's ready..